Master of Public Administration Student Resources

Learn more about student resources in the Master of Public Administration program at Central Michigan University.

Advising

For MPA advising, please contact Dr. Sharon Kukla-Acevedo, MPA Program Director, or email the MPA Program.

The requirements for the MPA degree consist of 37 hours of coursework. First, completion of a set of nine core courses presents an understanding of essential components of the discipline. Then, with the approval of the MPA director, the student creates a degree emphasis by selecting a set of generalized courses with a general concentration.

READ MORE ABOUT ADMISSION & PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS

Forms and resources

Scholarships

Barbara P. Greene Endowed Scholarship in Political Science

Established in 2004 by Sarah and Edward Cohen (daughter and son-in-law) and friends of Barbara Greene. Barbara was a professor and chair of the political science department prior to her death in 2001. Income from this endowment will support a scholarship for students enrolled in the political science department who have interest in state and local government. One scholarship will be awarded. Application deadline is the spring semester. For additional information, contact our faculty advisor Dr. Thomas Greitens.

  • Scholarship awarded to a CMU student majoring in political science, with an interest in state and local government.
  • Minimum GPA 3.00 on a 4.0 scale.
  • Preference given first to MPA and MA graduate students, followed by undergraduate seniors and juniors.
  • The award will be made only if highly qualified applicants apply.
  • Apply with a formal letter, a resume, and contact information for three references who will speak to your career interests in Political Science. 

Recipients

  • 2012 - Jeffrey Stoutenburg
  • 2013 - Heather Heitsch
  • 2014 - Not awarded
  • 2015 - Michael Fisher
  • 2016 - Brian Lechel
  • 2017 - Kathy Tahtinen
  • 2018 - Winifred Walsh
  • 2019 - Danielle McCann
  • 2020 - Cassi Miller
  • 2021 - Charlisse Smith
  • 2022 - Nancy Cepeda
  • 2023 - Christopher Roosen

​​Edward H. Potthoff Scholarship in Local Government Administration

Applicants must be graduate students in a public administration curriculum. They need a demonstrated career interest in local government, a record of participation at that level, and directly relevant coursework. One scholarship will be awarded. The application deadline is in the spring semester. For additional information, contact our faculty advisor Dr. Thomas Greitens.

  • The award will be made only if highly qualified applicants apply.
  • Apply with a formal letter, a resume, and contact information for three references who will speak to your career interests in Public Administration.

Recipients

  • 2012 - Andrew Knapp
  • 2013 - Anthony McCloud
  • 2014 - Not awarded
  • 2015 - Roy Atkinson
  • 2016 - Brian Lechel​
  • 2017 - Taylor Hollis
  • 2018 - Not awarded
  • 2019 - Joe Frey
  • 2020 - Samantha Bohm
  • 2021 - Jamie Smith
  • 2022 - Kaitlyn Szczypka
  • 2023 - Janessa Danielson

Additional funding resources

Student organizations

The Central Michigan University Student Chapter of the International City/County Management Association (ICMA) encourages student scholarship relevant to the quality of local government as achieved through the professional management of local public services. The chapter promotes the advancement of student knowledge about public service management by supporting student explorations of the ways public services are delivered in behalf of local communities. The chapter fosters student appreciation for integrity, professionalism and creative performance in the management of local governmental and related public service activities. Membership in the chapter is open to all Central Michigan University students in good standing academically who are interested in local government and the management of local public services. We welcome undergraduates and graduate students. For additional information, contact our faculty advisor Dr. Thomas Greitens.

CMU Student Chapter ICMA website

The Nonprofit Leadership Student Alliance (NLSA) of Central Michigan University is a registered student organization created in the Fall of 2016. NLSA's purpose is to support students pursuing professional careers in the field of Nonprofit Administration. The alliance supports students in the development of nonprofit leadership skills and encourages community involvement. Membership in NLSA will open doors for future nonprofit leaders by encouraging innovation, implementation, situational awareness, adaptability and verbal ability. Members will have the opportunity to attend the Alliance Management Institute in January to earn the Certified Nonprofit Professional (CNP) credential and network with experienced nonprofit leaders. NLSA membership is open to all Central Michigan University students with an interest in the nonprofit sector. For additional information, contact our faculty advisor Dr. Emma Powell.

Nonprofit Leadership Student Alliance (NLSA) website

Pi Alpha Alpha is the National Honor Society for Public Affairs and Administration. PAA recognizes outstanding undergraduates and graduate students in public Administration, public policy and public affairs. Membership in the chapter is limited to those of academic excellence and achievement and/or distinguished public service who are or have been enrolled or teach in public affairs or public administration programs, or who serve or have served with distinction in the public service. The NASPAA accredited MPA program would like to invite our students and alumni to consider membership in our chapter of Pi Alpha Alpha. Recognition by Pi Alpha Alpha is the premier academic distinction available to students of public administration or public policy; serving to identify the best students in the discipline both nationally and internationally. For additional information, contact Kay Purtill.

Pi Alpha Alpha website